Hampton Producer Profiles Racist Group

Skinheads burst on the scene 30 years ago, but where have they gone? In a special program airing this week by a Hampton producer, The National Geographic channel says the movement is stronger than ever and growing.

"American Skinheads" explores the surprising new ways that this segment of the white power community is reaching a new audience in the 21st century. Mike Sinclair, who wrote and directed the program, says the Internet has been one of skinheads' primary tools.

"The Internet has helped them reach a wider range of people," says Sinclair, executive producer of M2 Pictures in Hampton, which produced the program. "They all have Web sites and chat rooms, and they're getting more organized."

Sinclair and his crew spent a year researching and filming skinhead groups and those who oppose their philosophy. He traveled to Tacoma, Wash., to interview the sister of a man who had been beaten to death by skinheads in 2003. He talked with the leader of the Maryland Skinheads and the host of a skinhead radio program called "The Insurgent."

Though pinpointing the size of the skinhead population is difficult, the hour-long program cites statistics from the Anti-Defamation League which indicate that membership has doubled - from 5,000 to 10,000 - since 2001. The league's Racist Skinhead Project tracks skinhead activity and now believes there are more than 100 groups nationwide. Their slogan is: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children."

In addition to using the Internet, skinhead organizers have recruited new members among people opposed to allowing more immigrants into the country. They hand out literature at anti-immigration rallies and stress that immigrants will dilute the white race.

"The immigration issue has provided a good opportunity to get their message out, and it's resonating with people," says Sinclair. "People in this country are struggling about what it means to be an American. They're using it to create this culture of fear."

The program also profiles Jason Tankersley, the leader of the Maryland Skinheads who also co-directs a racist record label called Label 56. The company sells thousands of hate rock CDs to an international audience. Sinclair believes this music is helping the skinheads reach a young audience.

Sinclair joined Metro Productions, the parent company of M2 Pictures, two years ago. Previously he worked at New Dominion Pictures and on programs for the Discovery Channel and the Learning Channel. After receiving the go-ahead from the National Geographic Channel, Sinclair began contacting groups online. While some had a policy of not talking to the media, others agreed to let him inside their ranks.

"They felt we were making a serious investigation in their culture," says Sinclair. "I think we got an honest picture of the group."

News to Use

"American Skinheads" airs at 9 tonight on the National Geographic Channel. Additional airings this week at midnight Thursday and 6 p.m. Saturday. National Geographic is carried on channel 110 of Cox Cable's digital lineup.